Hot Cocoa for a Cold Day

Written by Robyn Holder Robyn Holder

Published: 26 January 2020 26 January 2020

One of my favorite nutritionists, J.J. Virgin, recently developed a hot cocoa recipe I’m in love with!  It’s healthy.  It’s delicious.  It’s nourishing.  And it’s hot!

This hot cocoa is a terrific mid-afternoon pick-me-up for these cold days, and brrrr, they’ve been cold!  You can also use this in place of morning coffee if you have a cold day ahead. During our cold spell, I’ve made a hot cocoa every afternoon.

The recipe uses a protein shake mix, and Full Circle Vitality carries two nutritional shake flavors - mocha or chocolate – that will perk up your palate with their deliciousness!  Each canister of 15 servings has a terrific panel of full nutrition, including 20 gms. of protein and 5 gms. of fiber, in each serving and costs $52, with local free delivery. We are fully stocked – give us a call today to order!

Disclaimer here:  you can use any nutritional shake mix in this recipe; please please please make sure it is a good, quality one!  You can google JJ Virgin, too, and take a look at the one she carries.

I’ve adapted the recipe, and here’s my version of the best hot cocoa for a cold day.  I make it in a sauce pan on the stove, using an amazing hand-held beverage mixer my daughter-in-law, April, gave me last year for Christmas. You could mix everything in a shaker bottle, too, and heat it on the stove.  If a stove is not available, say in your office, you can mix it up and heat in a microwave.   It’s so easy!

Nourishing Hot Cocoa

2 scoops (one serving) of chocolate, mocha or a cocoa flavored protein shake mix.

7 oz. unsweetened almond or coconut milk and 7 oz. water (you can omit the water and use 14 oz. of the milk if you wish)

1 Tbsp. raw cacao powder (I like Dagoba brand – available at any grocery store)

2 tsp. real vanilla extract

Whole milk creamer to whip for a topping (if desired)

Directions:  Add the milk/water or milk to a saucepan.  Add the protein powder, cacao powder and vanilla, and blend or until smooth (or put everything into a blender bottle and shake, then add to the saucepan).  Cook over medium heat until frothy, stirring occasionally.  Don’t let it boil over (as I did the first time I made it!). While the cocoa is heating, you can use your tiny mixer to whip the cream into a froth.   Put cocoa into two mugs and add some of the whipped cream.  That’s it!

Enjoy this warm boost to your day and stay warm!  To Your Vitality!